CONTEXT - what were the attitudes towards working class in the 19th century - ANSWERthe upper and middle class categorised those in poverty as either 'deserving' or 'undeserving' of help
what are 'deserving' poor like? - ANSWERpeople who were seen to have fallen on hard times through no fault of t...
CONTEXT - what were the attitudes towards working class in the 19th century - ANSWERthe upper
and middle class categorised those in poverty as either 'deserving' or 'undeserving' of help
what are 'deserving' poor like? - ANSWERpeople who were seen to have fallen on hard times through
no fault of their won perhaps through old age of illness
what are 'undeserving' poor like? - ANSWERpeople who, in the eyes of the wealthy, faced hardship
due to own bad choices eg laziness or drunkness
what problem did categorising the poor into deserving and undeserving cause for the wealthy? -
ANSWERthey wanted to help deserving poor without encouraging qualities of idleness and
recklessness in the undeserving poor
How could Gerald's costume reflect his similarities to Mr Birling? - ANSWERA director may dress
Gerald in a costume that is similar in style to Arthur's. This could be to emphasise how his views are
similar to Mr Birling's
Women's clothing in the Victorian period? - ANSWERDresses were often made from heavy fabrics
like velvet. They were usually floor length and gathered around the waist with a full skirt. Necklines
were square or rounded and fairly low and large puff sleeves were common. Small waists were
fashionable so bodices were tightly fitted. Hair was pinned up often with curls fluffed over the
forehead. Chokers were very popular as well as broaches. Wealthy women wore pearl necklaces
Men's clothing in the Victorian period? - ANSWERFormal evening wear included long,black tail coats
worn with a white shirt and black trousers. Turned up collars with thick knotted ties or cravats were
popular. Men's hair was usually short and well trimmed. Bushy sideburns and a short beard were
popular
How can realistic costumes reflect the play's context? - ANSWERusing historically accurate fashion
styles to make costumes seem 'authentic' is a good idea when directing a naturalistic production. The
younger characters (sheila,Eric and Gerald) may wear clothing that was fashionable at the time. The
older characters (Arthur and Sybil) may wear clothing that was more typical of the late Victorian
period to highlight in character ages.
What can props and stage furniture do to a performance? - ANSWERcommunicate setting, help drive
the action and personal props can reinforce characterisation.
What props can be used in a naturalistic production of AIC? - ANSWERprops and stage furniture to
show the setting of a middle class home at the start of the 20th century. For example the use of
electricity wasn't widespread at this time so replica gas lamps could be used.
what props/stage furniture could be used to suggest the Birling's wealth? - ANSWERexpensive,
ornate furniture such as carved wooden chairs with velvet seat pads
what is the effect of 'champagne glasses' as props? - ANSWERto help establish the 'after dinner
setting' using champagne glasses reinforces celebratory atmosphere as well as hinting at the Birling's
extravagant lifestyle.
, How can stage furniture communicate the time of day? - ANSWERIn act 1, the inspector 'moves
nearer a light' perhaps a lamp to show a photograph to Sheila. This could suggest that the action is
taking place in the evening
Why is the telephone in Act 3 crucial? - ANSWERit enables the twist at the end of the play
what prop is pivotal to the plot? - ANSWERthe Inspector's photo of Eva/Daisy is used to extract
confessions from the characters
What is the Birling's dining room described as? - ANSWERThe dining room of a fairly large suburban
house, belonging to a prosperous manufacturer. It has good solid furniture of the period. The general
effect is substantial and heavily comfortable, but not cosy and homelike.'
what is the effect of the Birlings dining room? - ANSWERshows that the Birlings are middle-class and
live comfortably, unlike Eva Smith. It also hints that not all is well in the household, despite being
'prosperous' the house is not 'cosy and homelike', suggesting that everything is done for show rather
than for comfort. There is a subtle clue that the Birlings are not a truly happy family even before the
Inspector arrives.
The effect of champagne glasses, port, cigar box and cigarette? - ANSWERthe Birlings have money -
the props all indicate this - as they are all luxury items that they enjoy.
what is a personal prop? - ANSWERa prop that is used by an actor to add depth to their character
what prop could Eric use to reinforce his character? - ANSWERthe actor who plays Eric would
consistently hold and refill a whisky glass to hint at his 'familiarity with quick heavy drinking'
what is the effect of Sheila's obsession with her ring in act 1? - ANSWERit shows her naivety as she's
excited about the engagement even though she is suspicious about Gerald's behaviour. She gives the
ring back when she finds out about his past - this shows how much the Inspector's visit has changed
her
symbolic effect of the decanters and bottles of alcohol? - ANSWERthe Birling's wealth and social
status
what is the meaning of when the Inspector refuses a drink from Mr Birling? - ANSWERWhen the
Inspector arrives in act 1, Birling offers him a drink which suggests that he is accustomed to using his
wealth and position to influence others. The Inspector's refusal of the drink suggests that he won't
be swayed by Birling's power
uses of costume? - ANSWERto reveal information about a character, to symbolise something, to
show how they change, to represent themes or ideas
what can makeup do? - ANSWERmakeup is an important part of a character's costume. It can
highlight aspects of their physical appearance and personality or show changes in their emotions and
attitudes
How could makeup be used on Eric? - ANSWERdark eye shadow could be smudges under Eric's eyes
yo suggest his heavy drinking is making him unwell
How can makeup be used on sheila? - ANSWERshe may at first have soft, pastel coloured make up to
show her youth and femininity. Makeup could then be used to reflect her distress when she re enters
the stage after seeing Eva's photograph in act 1. A makeup artist could use streaks of mascara to
create the impression she's been crying
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